Universal junction box

ABSTRACT

A universal junction box, which includes multiple methods for securing cables, various kinds of wires and conduits and multiple methods for securing the box within a wall cavity. The front side of the box which can be positioned flush with the installed wall covering includes fittings for attaching a wall plate, switches, plugs, connectors, and electrical/electronic devices to the box. The junction box allows the addition of an extension to the rear of the junction box for a between-wall design for the installation and attachment of similar devices on an opposing wall surface through the same junction box. The junction box also engages extensions to the side of the junction box allowing two or more ganged box configurations, which share the multiple methods for securing the junction box within a wall cavity.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus andmethod for securing cables, wires conduits, and junction boxes within awall cavity and more particularly junction boxes for terminatingelectrical circuits on the surfaces of walls, floors, ceilings, orequipment enclosures for both high and low voltage circuits.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Electrical junction boxes, also sometimes referred to as outletboxes, have been used since the advent of electricity in high voltagecircuit applications and later with the advent of the telephone in lowvoltage applications. These boxes are generally mounted with the frontside of the box positioned flush with the installed wall coveringmaterial and include fittings for attaching a wall plate, switches,plugs, connectors, and electrical/electronic devices to the box. The boxalso provides a means for connection of cables and conduits within thebox or termination of cables to apparatus mounted within the box.

[0003] The use and design of junction boxes has progressed as technologyhas changed and as new applications were needed. With these advances,several products became available that solved each application relatedproblem individually while requiring, in some cases, a multitude ofboxes. With these varying designs many problems persist, and limited useof special features precludes production of the units in high volumethereby increasing manufacturing and end-user costs. Further, these andother problems persist resulting in unwieldy inventories formanufacturers, distributors, suppliers and installers alike. Inaddition, the units provided for sale often lack the most efficientdesign due to an attempt to provide a product, which has a more generalapplication but, in many cases, doesn't solve any particular applicationwell. For example, current boxes each must be mounted in a particularway due to their uni-functional design that requires the box be orienteda particular way to allow the mounting features to be effective.

[0004] Low voltage cables tend to be more fragile than high voltagecables. Because of on-going technology advancements and the need toincrease bandwidth capacity of low voltage cables, low voltage cablesare becoming even more fragile than previous cables. In order to preventloss of bandwidth capacity, kinking or excessive bending of these cablesshould be avoided. When installing low voltage circuits, the currentpractice is for installers to cut the back off a standard high voltageelectrical junction box. The new opening allows the necessary bendingradii for the low voltage cables and, also, allows the mounting of lowvoltage apparatus, which often fills all of the space inside thejunction box. The edges of standard electrical junction boxes can damagefragile cables when they are pulled through the openings. Installersusually do not have enough room inside standard junction boxes to coilmultiple cables during the wall installation phase of construction. Theaforementioned installation approach does not provide adequateprotection or a neat method for holding the cables in place.Consequently, the cables stored in such a cramped, unorganized fashionare subject to damage after they are installed prior to completion ofthe construction phase. Further, the current practice does not provide aconvenient way to secure an extra long service loop, which would alloweasy connection of very small, intricate terminating devices.

[0005] High voltage cables commonly used for 120-volt outlets andlighting circuits range from two #14 conductors with a ground wire tothree #12 conductors with a ground wire. As a result, the cable diameterbetween the two extremes can vary by as much as three times in size.Junction boxes are used to connect the circuits and mount electricalterminating devices such as outlets, switches and lighting fixtures. Tofacilitate these circuits, multiple openings for the cables to enter thebox are required and because of limited space within the box, eachopening is sized to accommodate both cable size extremes.

[0006] Methods for securing these cables within the junction box aredetermined by the National Electric Code (NEC). The NEC requires highvoltage cables to be anchored no greater than four inches from junctionboxes without a cable-securing device and 8 inches when a cable-securingdevice is provided. In applying these codes, multiple gang and wallboards mounted junction boxes would normally require a cable-securingdevice to anchor the cable would be more than 4 inches away, whereas asingle junction box mounted to a framing structure is within fourinches. Underwriting Laboratory (UL) certification testing for thesecuring device is also required. The UL test for the securing devicerequires the cable entering the bottom of the box to be subjected to adirect vertical pull of 25 pounds for 5 minutes in a conditionedenvironment of minus 20 degrees centigrade without damage to the cablesheath or conductors and a displacement of the cable of more than ⅛inch.

[0007] Although high voltage cables tend to be more robust than lowvoltage cable because of the cable sheaths and wire insulation used,they can be subjected to damage when placed in the junction box. Thecurrent art available either provides no anchoring devices with anopening sized for the largest cables or provides inadequate clampingdesigns. The clamping designs either provide insufficient clamping ofthe smaller cables or provide too much clamping for the larger cablespotentially damaging the cable and making it difficult pulling any sizecable into the box difficult.

[0008] As a result of these and other problems there is a need for auniversal junction box that includes a cable-securing device with thecapability to handle both low voltage and high voltage cable in a safeand effective manner. A universal junction box is needed that can beeasily mounted in a multitude of environments and orientations andreduces wall clutter while making efficient use of the available wallspace. The universal junction box of the present invention increases theease of installation by allowing easy mounting in many places andprovides sufficient anchoring of all sizes of cables and commonly usedflexible conduits while not causing damage to any of them. Thisinvention reduces costs while producing installation efficiencies andreducing junction box inventories.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In accordance with the invention, a universal junction box forlow and high voltage cable that allows easy installation. The universaljunction box has a body with a continuous peripheral wall having aninternal and an external side such that the external side encompasses amounting tab including a frangible seam, a slanted fastening apertureand a mounting aperture, and the internal side including an integralfastening lug, the fastening lug defining a cylindricalfastener-engaging cavity dispersed within the interior of the peripheralwall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of theinvention presented below, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings in which;

[0011]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the universal junction boxin accordance with the first group of invention embodiments for securingthe box within a wall cavity and other high and low voltage commonelements;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a partly cut away perspective view of the universaljunction box in accordance with the adjustable and removable attachmentembodiment of the invention;

[0013]FIG. 3 is another embodiment of the adjustable and removableattachment embodiment shown in FIG. 2 of the invention;

[0014]FIG. 4 is a partly cut away perspective view of the universaljunction box in accordance with the nail attachment embodiment of theinvention;

[0015]FIGS. 5a-5 c show a partly cut away perspective view of theuniversal junction box in accordance with the wallboard attachmentembodiment of the invention including the attachment clip;

[0016]FIGS. 6a-6 c shows another embodiment of the wallboard attachmentcomponent shown in FIG. 5 of the invention;

[0017]FIGS. 7a-7 c shows another embodiment of the wallboard attachmentcomponent shown in FIG. 5 of the invention;

[0018]FIGS. 8a-8 c shows a front elevation of the clip installation forthe wallboard attachment components shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 of theinvention;

[0019]FIG. 9 is a partly cut away perspective view of the universaljunction box in accordance with the pull string anchor embodiment of theinvention;

[0020]FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the universal junction boxin accordance with the rear extension embodiment of the invention;

[0021]FIG. 11 is another embodiment of the rear extension embodimentshown in FIG. 10 of the invention;

[0022]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting tabs shown inFIG. 11;

[0023]FIG. 13 is a partly cut away perspective view of the universaljunction box and in accordance with the side extension box embodiment ofthe invention;

[0024]FIG. 14 is another embodiment of the side extension box embodimentshown in FIG. 13 of the invention;

[0025]FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the universal junction boxin accordance with the second group of invention embodiments forsecuring low voltage wire, cable and conduit within the universaljunction box;

[0026]FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view in accordance with the slantedcable attachment embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 15;

[0027]FIG. 17 is a partly cut away front perspective view of the slantedcable attachment embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 15;

[0028]FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional top and back side elevation inaccordance with the conduit attachment embodiment of the invention shownin FIG. 15;

[0029]FIG. 19 is another cross-sectional top and back side elevation inaccordance with the conduit attachment embodiment of the invention shownin FIG. 15;

[0030]FIG. 20 is a back side elevation of the flexible conduitattachment and conduit shown in FIG. 19;

[0031]FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional front perspective view of theuniversal junction box in accordance with the cable wrap attachmentembodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 15;

[0032]FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional front perspective view of theuniversal junction box in accordance with the cable holding aperturesembodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 15;

[0033]FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional front perspective view of theuniversal junction box in accordance with the excess-cable apertureembodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 15;

[0034]FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of the universal junction boxin accordance with the third group of invention embodiments for accessand securing high voltage wire and cables within the universal junctionbox;

[0035]FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional side view in accordance with thecable-securing securing embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 24;

[0036]FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment ofthe cable-securing embodiment shown in FIG. 25 of the invention;

[0037]FIG. 27 is cross sectional side view of another embodiment of thecable-securing embodiment shown in FIG. 25 of the invention;

[0038]FIG. 28 is another cross sectional side view of FIG. 27 of theinvention; and

[0039]FIG. 29 is another cross sectional side-view of FIG. 27 of theinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0040] The present description will be directed in particular toelements forming a part of, or in cooperation more directly with, theapparatus and method in accordance with the present invention. It isunderstood that elements not specifically shown or described may takevarious forms well known to those skilled in the art. Referring now tothe drawings where like reference numerals represent similar orcorresponding parts throughout several views.

[0041]FIG. 1 is a schematic of a universal junction box (10) showing afront perspective view with various attachments for securing the box(10) within a wall cavity including common features shared between highand low voltage designs. The universal junction box (10) may be made ofplastic or metal. In one preferred embodiment, the universal junctionbox (10) is made from moldable plastic, such as polystyrene or the like,which makes the box easy to manufacture using standard injection moldingtechniques.

[0042] The universal junction box (10) includes a continuous peripheralwall (12) with an internal side (14) and an external side (16) and atleast one planar facet (18). The box (10) generally has a rectangularbody (20) having a top (22), a first side (24), a bottom (26), and aside (28). The box (10) defining a front opening (29) and a planar facetor back (30) that can include a back portion (31) so that the back maybe open or closed as needed. In some instances, such as high voltageapplications, the back portion (31) would be closed to accommodate therequired safety features for high voltage applications. In othersituations, such as in low voltage applications, the back of the boxwould be open to allow additional assessibility.

[0043] The internal wall (14) may include an integral fastening lug (32)defining a fastening cavity (34), such as a cylindricalfastener-engaging cavity. The top and bottom (22, 26) of the body (20)includes the integral fastening lug defining cavities (34 a, 34 b) intowhich one or more fasteners (36), such as mounting screws, are insertedthrough a device or faceplate. The cavities (34 a, 34 b) may be threadedor they may be manufactured in sizes such that insertion of aself-tapping screw will form threads in the cavity, also referred to asa channel. The fasteners (36) secure the device/faceplate to a frontplanar surface (38) often referred to as a front face (38) of box (10).The device/face plate, also known as a faceplate, can include anelectrical cover plate, switch plate, switch, plug, connector, anotherdevice such as an electrical device and another universal box or portionof one, such as a front extension.

[0044] Also shown in FIG. 1 are the mounting features for securing thebox (10) within a wall cavity including a mounting tab (40) with analignment tab (41) attached and an mounting aperture component (42) thatallows the box (10) to be adjusted and removed. The mouunting tab (40)mounts the box (10) to a wood or steel structural member (43) such thatthe mounting tab (40) extends vertically, perpendicular to the top orbottom of the box (10) and is attached to the first side (24) of the box(10). The mounting tab (40) includes one or more apertures (44) forinsertion of a standard screw to mount the box (10) to a structuredmember. The mounting tab (40) also has a frangible breakaway seam (45),which allows the mounting tab to be easily removed, resulting in anunencumbered external box (20) surface for other junction boxapplications where the mounting tab (40) is not needed.

[0045]FIG. 1 shows the alignment tab (41) that is used to align the box(10) to the required wallboard depth. The alignment tab (41) extendsfrom a front edge (46) of the mounting tab (40) such that it isperpendicular to that edge (46) with a gap of about ¼″. The alignmenttab (41) facilitates setting the box (10) by presetting the set backdepth. For instance, if the set back depth needs to be ½″ from the frontsurface (38), for the most commonly used wallboard, then the alignmenttab having a ½″ setback can be utilized for alignment of the box (10),as is. If the front face (46) must be set back ¾″, as for the next mostcommonly used wallboard, then the alignment tab (41) is first removedfrom the screw mounting tab (40) to allow alignment of the box (10) forthe ¾″ wallboard using the front edge (46) of the screw mounting tab(40).

[0046] This alignment feature provides for greater stability than iscurrently the practive while the box (10) is being attached because thealigmnent tabs (41a, 41 b) are sufficient distance apart to prevent thejunction box from rocking during installation. There is no need forvisual validation of alignment marks that are commonly used on currentboxes for this purpose. There are other mounting features shown in FIG.1 that are possible because of the unencumbered external surface thatthis invention provides, when each mounting tab (40) is removed bybreaking it off at the frangible seam (45).

[0047] Mounting Aperture Component

[0048] An adjustable junction box feature allows for reposition of thebox for variations caused by wall material (such as tile) added afterinstallation of the original wallboard. Current designs in the artprovide adjustable attachment through an adjustment screw that threadsthrough a steel bracket, which is then attached to the junction box.This type of design involves multiple parts. This adjustable featureallows horizontal adjustment of the box to compensate for the additionaldepth of new wall covering, thus making the box flush with the new wallcovering-material.

[0049] In FIG. 2 the mounting aperture component (42) is illustrated ina partly cut-away perspective view of the body (20) of the first side(24) of the universal junction box (10) shown. The mounting aperturecomponent (42) allows the box (10) to be repositioned for variationscaused by wall material (such as tile) added after installation of theoriginal wallboard. The mounting aperture component (42) also allows thebox (10) to be removed after the wallboard is installed thereby allowingeasy access and use of the wall cavity for later installations,replacements and modifications of low voltage devices that would nototherwise fit in the box and, therefore, require access to the wallopening. These devices could include video splitters, video modulators,audio amplifiers, batteries and the like.

[0050] The mounting aperture component (42) is located within the firstside (24) of box (10) and consists of a first channel (92) terminatingat a bulbous aperture (94) and a second parallel channel (96)terminating at a second bulbous aperture (98). Box (10) would beattached by installing fasteners, such as screws (99 a, 99 b) partiallyinto the structural member (43) and then placing the bulbous apertures(94, 98) over the head of screws (99 a, 99 b), respectively, and pushingthe box (10) inward so that the screws slide into and along the parallelchannels (92, 96). Once the box (10) is in place, screws (99 a, 99 b)would be tightened down.

[0051] After the final wall material is installed, screws (99 a, 99 b)would be loosened and the box (10) would be moved forward or backward sothat the front face (38) of the body (20) is flush with the wallcovering material, after which the screws (99 a, 99 b) can beretightened to secure the box (10) to the structural member (43). Toremove box (10) after wall material is installed would encompassloosening screws (99 a, 99 b) slightly and sliding the box (10) forwardso that the heads of screws (99 a, 99 b) enter into the space of to thebulbous apertures and tilting the box away from screws (99 a, 99 b) todisengage the box (10) from structural member (43), and then remove theboxes from the wall cavity.

[0052]FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a mounting aperturecomponent (100). In this embodiment the bulbous apertures (94, 98) arereplaced with a first bridge brace (102) and a first flared opening(104), and a second flared opening (106) and a second bridge brace(108). Box (10) would be attached by installing screws (99 a, 99 b)partially into a structural member (43) and then sliding the flaredopenings (104, 106) over the head of screws (99 a, 99 b), respectively,and pushing the box (10) inward so that the screws slide into parallelchannels (92, 96). Once the box (10) is in the proper position, screws(99 a, 99 b) would be tightened down, thus securing the box (10) so thatthe front face (38) of the box (10) is flush with the new wall coveringmaterial.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 2 which shows an optional securing feature thatallows a screw to be inserted through the first side (24) into thestructural member (43). This feature is provided by cavity (109)embedded within first side (24), which is angled to allow a screw toenter the structural member (43) from the inside of box (10) at anangle. This feature can be added to both the adjustable and removableembodiments (42, 100). This allows an installer to secure the box (10)in a desired position, by use of a common screwdriver applied at anangle from the front (38) of the box (10) rather than using an offsettool to tightening down screws (99 a, 99 b).

[0054] The mounting aperture component (42) allows the box (10) to beeasily adjusted without the need to purchase special parts to facilitatethis function. The mounting aperture component (42) also allows the box(10) to be easily removed after the wallboard is installed, therebyallowing use of the wall cavity for other purposes. The mountingaperture also allows easy access to cables within the wall cavity.

[0055] Nail Attachment

[0056] Current designs in the art provide nail-mounting features on theexterior of the box through various clamping methods to hold theattachment nail in place. Further, these current designs require thenail to be included during the manufacturing process because insertionand removal of the nail is not easily facilitated. The current art hasseveral drawbacks, which include complicated designs requiringadditional material to form the nail-clamping device, which addsunnecessary cost for mold tooling and extra material to form thenail-clamping feature.

[0057]FIG. 4 shows a nail attachment feature (110) of the universaljunction box (10) in a front perspective view. FIG. 4 shows how the nailattachment feature (110) is used to mount the box (10) to a woodstructural member (43). Preferably the nail attachment feature (110)would be located at the top (22) and bottom (26) of the body (20) whichallows the insertion of a fastener (111) such as a #12 common nail or along shank screw. The fastener (111) holds the box (10) in place withthe aid of the exterior sides (24, 28) and the fastening lug (32 b). Thefastener (111) is inserted through apertures (112, 114, 116, 118) whichcan be aligned or staggered (slightly off center). By offsetting theapertures, the fastener (111) enters the apertures off-center takingadvantage of the squeeze and flex afforded by a plastic design,resulting in tighter alignment and more secure installation of the boxto the structural member, resulting in an unencumbered external box (20)surface for other junction box applications. If required forUnderwriting Laboratory (UL) certification for high voltageapplications, a surrounding plastic sleeve can be used to cover theexposed nail portions inside the box (10).

[0058] Wallboard Attachment Component

[0059] Current designs in the art provide wallboard attachment through aclamping screw with a narrow-finger that swings-out on the end of thescrew to clamp the wallboard between the face of the finger and a flangeon the front surface of the box. The current art has several drawbacks,which include a multi-piece design, irregular cutouts in the wallboardto insert and mount the junction box, templates to mark the wallboardcutout, and very little area for stable wallboard surface retentionwhich can cause the junction box to rock within the wallboard cut-out ifincorrectly installed.

[0060]FIGS. 5a, 5 b and 5 c show a universal junction box (10 a) with awallboard attachment component (130 a) for mounting the box (10 a) to awall-covering surface, such as wallboard. FIGS. 5a, 5 b and 5 c includeslots 132, 134 and a frontal surface indent (136) in box (10 a) and acut-out (156) in the front (154) of the clip (140 a). The wallboardattachment component (130 a) is illustrated in a front perspective viewof the universal junction box (10 a) shown. The wallboard attachmentcomponent (130 a) is preferably located on the top (22) and bottom (26)of the box (10 a) at diagonally opposing corners for attachment to thewallboard. Clip (140 a) includes two fingers (142, 144) for twodifferent wallboard sizes, such as ½ inch and ¾ inch, which are the mostcommonly used over a framing structure. In this example, the insidefinger (142) would be for the ½ inch wallboard and outside finger (144)would be used for ¾ inch wallboard.

[0061] When attaching the box (10 a) to the smaller size wallboard, theclip (140 a) would not require modification and would be inserted inslots (132, 134). For the larger size wallboard the inside finger (142)would be clipped off with electrical diagonal pliers. Clip (140 a) canbe metal or plastic and sold separately. Alternatively, the plastic clipcan be molded as a breakaway design attached to the screw mounting tab(40). The clip (140 a) would be installed by placing the angular tip(158) in channel (138) and inserting fingers (142, 144) through slots(132, 134), respectively, causing the clip to engage the wallboard, andthen further pushing the clip to fully locked position whereby the notch(156) at the front of the clip (154) snaps into the locking notch (136)to secure the clip (140 a) in place.

[0062]FIGS. 6a, 6 b, and 6 c show a universal junction box (10 b) with awallboard attachment component (130 b) for mounting the box (10 b) to awall covering surface, such as wallboard. FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 arevariations on the same wallboard attachment component (130) feature withdifferent methods for securing the clip in place. FIG. 6 includes aninterior side indent (162) and a tab (164) extending from the base (168)of the clip (140).

[0063]FIGS. 6a, 6 b, and 6 c show an alternative embodiment of thewallboard attachment component (130 b) feature. FIG. 6 is substantiallysimilar to FIG. 5, except that the clip retaining mechanism isdifferent. The clip (140 b) would be installed by placing the angulartip (158) in channel (138) and inserting fingers (142, 144) throughslots (132, 134), respectively, causing the clip to engage the wallboardand then further pushing the clip to fully locked position whereby thetab (164) extending from the base (168) of the clip (140 b) snaps intothe interior locking sidewall indent (162) to secure the clip (140 b) inplace.

[0064]FIGS. 7a, 7 b, and 7 c show a universal junction box (10 c) with awallboard attachment component (130 c) for mounting the box (10 c) to awall covering surface, such as wallboard. FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 arevariations on the same wallboard attachment component (130) feature withdifferent methods for securing the clip in place. FIG. 7 includes aninterior side-wall snap-over tab (172).

[0065]FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the wallboard attachmentcomponent (130 c) feature. FIG. 7 is substantially similar to FIG. 5,except that the clip retaining mechanism is different. The clip (140 c)would be installed by placing the angular tip (158) in channel (138) andinserting fingers (142, 144) through slots (132, 134), respectively,causing the clip to engage the wallboard, and then further pushing theclip to fully locked position whereby the tapered end (174) at the base(168) of the clip (140 c) snaps over the locking tab (172) located inthe interior face of the first side (24) to secure the clip (140 c) inplace.

[0066]FIGS. 8a, 8 b, and 8 c shows the method of installing the clip onthe universal junction box (10). FIG. 8 shows a front elevation of thebox (10) top section and shows the general method of installing any ofthe clips (140) presented in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. FIG. 8 illustrates anexample of the clip locking method discussed in conjunction with FIG. 7.Three views (182, 184, 186) are shown to represent the three stages ofinstalling clip (140) for mounting the box (10) to wallboard. The firstinstallation step is presented in view (182). Clip (140) is positionedso its angular portion (146, 148) is parallel to first side (24) of box(10). The second installation step is presented in view (184) where clip(140) is positioned so the angular tip (158) of the clip (140) is placedin channel (138) of box (10) and fingers (142, 144) are inserted throughslots (132, 134), respectively, causing the clip to engage thewallboard. The last installation step is presented in view (186) whereclip (140) is positioned in the fully engaged position by pushing theclip (140) to the fully locked position whereby the end (174) at thebase (168) of the clip (140) snaps over the locking tab (172) to securethe clip (140) in place.

[0067] The advantages of the wallboard attachment component (130) andclip (140) include: fast and easy insert, push and snap installation ofthe box (10); an uncomplicated all-plastic design; an unencumberedexternal frontal surface which allows the front of box itself to serveas the template for marking a simple rectangular cut-out area in thewallboard; and an attachment design which prevents the rocking of theoutlet within the cutout because of the large surface retention area onboth sides of the wallboard provided by the clip (140).

[0068] Pull String Anchor

[0069] There are situations during an electrical installation wherethere is a need to install and store a pull string which allows cablesto be pulled into the junction box at a later date. The current practiceis to either coil up or tape the string inside the junction box. Inthese situations, a device to anchor the pull string would be beneficialto prevent accidental removal of the string prior to future installationof the cable. This feature also provides a method to anchor the stringin a secure, permanent fashion, versus the use of tape or otherfastener, which could loosen with age.

[0070] In FIG. 9, the pull string anchor (190) is illustrated in a frontperspective view of the universal junction box (10) shown. The pullstring anchor (190) would be located on the inside of the box (10) atthe top (22) and bottom (26). A perpendicular slot (192) is locatedwithin the fastening lug (32), which allows a pull element (196),including a pull string (196), to be anchored.

[0071] An advantage of the universal junction box (10) with the pullstring anchor (130) includes being able to anchor a cable pull stringand prevent accidental removal of the string prior to futureinstallation of the cable. It also provides a method to anchor thestring in a permanent fashion.

[0072] Rear Extension Box

[0073] With the advent of several low voltage boxes installed fortelecommunication needs such as telephones, computers, video, audio andthe like, in addition to standard high voltage boxes for plugs andswitches, wall space available to install all the necessary junctionboxes has been reduced. In walls shared between rooms, this problem isfurther compounded because a single box mounted on one wall precludes abox mounted on the opposing wall surface in the same place and,therefore, makes it difficult to place a box in the most desirablelocation. As a result of the foregoing, there is a need for a junctionbox that can be installed in a common wall between rooms allowing accessto directly opposing wall surfaces through the same junction box therebyfreeing wall space.

[0074]FIG. 10 is illustrated in a front perspective view and shows therear extension box feature (300) for providing a common junction box ina wall between two rooms by adding a rear extension box (300) to theuniversal junction box (10). The rear extension box (300) includes agenerally rectangular body (302) having a top wall (306), a first sidewall (314), a bottom wall (320), a second side (328) and an open front(324) and back (318). The rear extension junction box (300) may be madeof metal or plastic. Preferably, the rear extension junction box (300)of FIG. 10 is formed from moldable plastic, such as polystyrene or thelike, which makes the box easy to manufacture using standard injectionmolding techniques.

[0075] Each surface of the top and bottom walls (306, 320) of the rearextension box (300) includes fastening lugs (312, 322) with channels(308, 326) into which mounting screws (310, 316), respectively, areinserted through a device/face plate for terminating the circuit orcovering the opening for future access. Channels (308, 326) are notthreaded in order to allow the mounting screws (310, 316) to passthrough the rear extension box (300) and enter channels (332, 334)within the fastening lugs (32 a, 32 b) of the universal junction box(10).

[0076] Channels (332, 334) of box (10) may be threaded or they may bemanufactured in sizes such that insertion of a self-tapping screw willform threads in the channel. The mounting screws (310, 316) secure thedevice/face plate to the back surface (318) of the rear extension box(300) and mate the front surface (324) of the rear extension box (300)to the back portion (30) of universal junction box (10) to form anintegral between-wall junction box. Although not shown in the drawing,the universal junction box (10) attachment features provide the methodsfor mounting to a structural member, as herein described. For auniversal junction box (10), if the back (30) is closed, a knockoutplate (330) would be included to allow cable installation into the rearextension box (300). Further, this same knockout plate (330) allows anopen back design for the universal junction box (10) for low voltagecable applications.

[0077]FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the between-walljunction box feature. FIG. 11 is substantially similar to FIG. 10,except that the retaining mechanism to secure the rear extension box(300) to the universal junction (10) is different. Each surface of thetop and bottom walls (306, 320) of the rear extension box (300) includesfastening lugs (312, 322) with channels (354, 355), respectively.Cylindrical mounting tabs (350, 358) extend from the back (30) ofuniversal junction box (10). To secure the rear extension box (300) tothe universal junction box (10), the cylindrical mounting tabs (350,358) are inserted into channels (354, 355). In effect, the rearextension box (300) and the universal junction box (10) are aligned andkeyed through use of the cylindrical mounting tabs (350, 358) andchannels (354, 355).

[0078] This design allows the mating of the front surface (324) of therear extension box (300) to the back portion (30) of universal junctionbox (10) to form the combined between-wall junction box withoutrequiring mounting screws (310, 316) to temporarily hold thebetween-wall junction box together during wallboard installation.Mounting screws (310, 316) are later inserted through a device/faceplate for terminating the circuit or covering the opening for futureaccess. Channels (354, 355) are not threaded allowing the mountingscrews (310, 316) to pass through and enter channels (352, 356) withincylindrical mounting tabs (350, 358), respectively, of the universaljunction box (10). Channels (352, 356) are the same design as (332,334), respectively, as described above in FIG. 10.

[0079]FIG. 12 is illustrated in a cross-sectional view of cylindricalmounting tabs (350, 358) inserted into channels (354, 355) and asdescribed in FIG. 11. Securing tabs (362, 364) snap into recesses (360,366) to hold the rear extension box (300) in place.

[0080] This between-wall design provides a combined junction boxcomposed of universal junction box (10) conjoined to rear extension box(300), that can be installed in a common wall between rooms allowingaccess to directly opposing wall surfaces through the same combinedjunction box thereby freeing wall space. Further, this integrated designapproach provides a solution through the addition of a simple rearextension which takes advantage of the basic universal junction box unitalready outfitted with facilities to attach the box or wires and lendingfurther versatility to the universal junction box concept.

[0081] Side Extension Box

[0082] Traditionally, when more than a single space/one-gang junctionbox is required, multiple space gang boxes are used consistent with thenumber of spaces required. In FIG. 13, the side extension box feature(400) is illustrated in a partly cut away perspective view of the firstside (434) area of the side extension box (420) along with a partly cutaway perspective view of the second side (28) area of the universaljunction box (10). This feature allows the single-space universaljunction box (10) to be expanded by one or more spaces by adding one ormore side extension box(s) to the universal junction box (10). The sideextension box (400) includes a generally rectangular body (420) and issubstantially similar to box (10). The side extension junction box (400)may be made of metal or plastic. Preferably, the side extension junctionbox (400) of FIG. 13 is formed from moldable plastic, such aspolystyrene or the like, which makes the box easy to manufacture usingstandard injection molding techniques.

[0083] In FIG. 13, the features for mating the boxes (10, 420) areshown. The side extension box feature (400) attachment to the universaljunction box (10) is facilitated through the use of the mountingaperture component (42) (see FIG. 2). In this example, the mountingaperture in the mounting aperture component (42) is shown within thesecond wall (28) also referred to as the sidewall (28) or inside wall(28), and consists of the previously described parallel channels (92,96) which terminate at the bulbous apertures (94, 98), respectively,shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3, the alternate embodiment of the mountingaperture component (100) could also be used.

[0084] In FIG. 13, the side extension box (420) includes fastening tabs(440, 446) which are attached to box (420) via standoff extensions (442,444). The side extension box (420) is attached to the universal junctionbox (10) by inserting the fastening tabs (440, 446) into bulbousapertures (94, 98), respectively, until the sidewall of each box ismated. Once mated, the side extension box (420) can be pulled forward toengage standoff extensions (442, 444) within channels (92, 96) andfastening tabs (440, 446) with the inside wall (28) of universaljunction box (10), respectively. To lock the side extension box (420) inplace, requires tilting the rear (422) of box (420) away from universaljunction box (10), and then pulling the side extension box (420) forwardfurther so that locking tab (432) engages locking channel (430). Therear (422) of box (420) is then released to secure and lock theextension box (420) in place.

[0085]FIG. 14 is an alternate embodiment of the side extension boxfeature (400) attachment to the universal junction box (10) in-lieu-ofusing the mounting aperture component (42) shown in FIG. 13. In FIG. 14,the side extension box feature (400) is illustrated in a partly cut awayperspective view of the right side (434) area of the side extension box(420) along with a partly cut away perspective view of the side wall(28) area of the universal junction box (10). The side extension box(420) includes mounting tabs (460, 466) which are attached to box (420)via standoff extensions (462, 468). The side extension box (420) isattached to the universal junction box (10) by inserting the mountingtabs (466, 460) into openings (450, 456), in the rear or back portion(31) of box (10), respectively. Once mated, the side extension box (420)can be pulled forward to engage standoff extensions (468, 462) withinchannels (452, 458) and mounting tabs (466, 460), respectively, with theside wall (28) of universal junction box (10). The side extension box(420) can be locked in place with the locking tab (432) and locking slot(430) represented in FIG. 13 or the alternate locking embodimentrepresented in FIG. 14.

[0086] The alternate locking embodiment represented in FIG. 14 includesa matching ramp (464) on box (420) and ramp cavity (454) within sidewall(28) of box (10). This configuration automatically tilts the rear (422)of box (420) away from universal junction box (10) as the extension box(420) is pulled forward and then engages as the matching ramps meet tolock both boxes securely in place.

[0087] In FIGS. 13 and 14, both sidewalls (28, 434) are represented asflat surfaces. As an alternate to the flat sidewalls (28, 434), one wallcould be partially protruded with the other wall recessed. Anotheralternate would be to swap the mounting and securing features betweenthe boxes or attach either the mounting or securing features directly toa structural member and use the other feature to attach a box to thesame structural member. Although it is not depicted in the FIGS. 13 and14, it should be understood that view 400 only illustrates the firstside (434) area of side extension box (420). The unillustrated secondside area of side extension box (420) would exactly mirror the secondside (28) area of box (10), as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. This designallows multiple side extension boxes to be joined together side-by-sideto effect a multiple gang box arrangement. In a similar manner, theunillustrated back side area of the side extension box (420) wouldmirror the back side (30) of the universal junction box shown in FIGS.10 and 11 so that a rear extension box (300) can be mounted and joinedto a side extension box (420). For UL certification purposes or toretain structural integrity, the embodiments within sidewall (28) of box(10) could be enclosed inside box (10).

[0088] This integrated design provides a solution for multiple gangjunction box applications through the addition of a simple sideextension box which takes advantage of the basic universal junction boxunit already outfitted with facilities to attach the box or wires, thuslending further versatility to the universal junction box concept.

[0089] Low Voltage Features

[0090] In order to prevent loss of bandwidth capacity, kinking orexcessive bending of cables should be avoided. When installing lowvoltage circuits, the current practice is for installers to cut the backoff a standard high voltage electrical junction box. The new openingallows the necessary bending radii for the low voltage cables and, also,allows the mounting of low voltage apparatus, which often fills all ofthe space inside the junction box. The edges of standard electricaljunction boxes can damage fragile cables when they are pulled throughthe openings. Installers usually do not have enough room inside standardjunction boxes to coil multiple cables during the wall installationphase of construction. The aforementioned installation approach does notprovide protection or a neat method for holding the cables in place.Consequently, the cables stored in such a cramped, unorganized fashionare subject to damage after they are installed prior to completion ofthe construction phase. Further, the current practice does not provide aconvenient way to secure an extra long service loop, which would alloweasy connection of very small, intricate terminating devices.

[0091]FIG. 15 is illustrated in a front perspective view and shows theuniversal junction box (10) low voltage attachment features (600) forsecuring wire, cable and conduit within the box (10). Low voltage cablescan include an individual wire, fiber optic, coaxial, twisted pair, andcategory 5E cables. For low voltage application, the back (30) of thebox (10) is open. Each surface of the top and bottom (22, 26) of the box(10) includes fastening lugs (32 a, 32 b) with cavities (34 a, 34 b)into which mounting screws are inserted through a device or faceplatefor terminating the circuit.

[0092] In FIG. 15, the low voltage features (600) for securing wire,cable and conduit within the universal junction box (10) are shown andinclude: the slanted cable attachment (620), the flexible conduitattachment (700), the cable-tie attachment, cable-holding apertures, andthe excess-cable apertures (800). FIG. 15, also shows the mountingaperture component (100) previously shown in FIG. 3.

[0093] Slanted Cable Attachment

[0094]FIG. 15 shows the slanted cable attachment feature (620) forsecuring wires and cables within the box (10). Slanted cable attachmentfeature (620) would be located in the top and bottom (22, 26) of box(10) and includes several slanted oblique cavities for different cablesizes.

[0095]FIG. 16 illustrates several detailed cross-sectional views of theslanted cable attachment feature (620). Top view (640) includes severalslanted oblique cavities for different cable sizes. Cross-sectional view(642) shows the slanted oblique cavities (622, 624) with no cableinstalled. The slanted oblique cavities (622, 624) result in smalleropenings through the vertical plane. This feature allows a cable tograsp and not slip through the oblique cavity after the cable isinserted into the cavity and released. This feature prevents damage tofragile cables. In view (644), the cable (626) is inserted throughoblique cavity (622).

[0096] To insert the cable (626) the installer would pull it through theback (30) of the box (10) and insert it into the oblique cavity (622) atan angle that avoids stress on the cable or the need to coil the cablewithin the box. The next step would be to pull sufficient length ofcable through oblique cavity (622) for a service loop for connection toa terminating device. To hold the cable in place during the wallboardinstallation phase, cable (626) would be moved back towards the verticalplane as shown in view (646). When it is time to install the terminatingdevices, the installer would simply pull the cable (626) forward throughthe front (38) of the box (10). Because the oblique cavity is slantedtoward the front (38) of the box (10), the cable disengages easily fromthe cavity and automatically allows sufficient bending radius needed forfragile cables used in low voltage applications.

[0097]FIG. 17 is illustrated in a front perspective cross-sectional viewand shows the slanted cable attachment feature shown in FIG. 15 andrepresents the four stages (642, 644, 646, 648) of installing a cable.The first installation step is presented in view (642) of the box (10)without any cable. The second installation step is presented in view(644) with cable (626) shown in the insert position. The thirdinstallation step is presented in view (646) with cable (626) shown inthe hold position. The last installation step is presented in view (648)with cable (626) removed from the oblique cavity and ready fortermination. A long service loop is facilitated by use of the wallcavity itself to store and protect the extra cable needed during thewallboard installation stage. When it is time to install the terminatingdevices, the installer would simply pull the cable (626) forward throughthe front (38) of the box (10). This self-retention method of securingthe cable (626) allows it to be disengaged easily from its holdingposition and automatically allows sufficient bending radius needed forfragile cables used in low voltage applications.

[0098] The advantages of the slanted cable attachment feature include:an easy method to secure the cable during the wallboard installationphase of construction; protection of cables within the wall cavity andbox from damage during the wallboard installation phase; and provisionof extra long service loops because the longer cable can be stored inthe wall cavity.

[0099] Flexible Conduit Attachment

[0100] Conduit systems are often installed to accommodate easy removalor addition of cables after completion of building construction. The useof flexible conduit is commonly used in high and low voltage circuitapplications to achieve this end. Flex conduit, which is readilyavailable in the marketplace, contains radial grooves along the surfaceof the conduit to allow the conduit and the cables carried within it tobend easily. The current method for installation of a flexible conduitto a junction box requires first adding a threaded bushing to theconduit, then inserting the bushing through a properly sized hole, andfinally securing the bushing with a nut to anchor the conduit to thejunction box. This method requires multiple pieces of hardware and istime-consuming to install. Further, this method precludes the use offlexible conduit when attaching a junction box to a wallboard surfacebecause the flexible conduit fittings extending from the box do not fitthrough the opening in the wallboard to mount the junction box.

[0101]FIG. 18 shows the details of the flexible conduit attachment (700)and is illustrated as a cross-sectional top elevation view (702) of thebottom (26) of box (10) and rear elevation view (704) of the back (30)of the box (10). The flexible conduit attachment (700) would be includedin the top and bottom (22, 26) of the box (10). The circular aperture(710) includes a recessed edge (712) and, as an example, would be sizedfor standard ¾ inch flexible conduit. The retaining bar (726) is moldedto longitudinal lug (32) and is across the outer edge of the circularaperture (710). The retaining bar (720) is molded to the inside of thefirst side (24) of box (10) and is directly across from the retainingbar (726) at the same elevation. The recessed edge (712) and theretaining bars (720, 726) are the depth and size of the flexibleconduit's radial grooves. Grooves (722, 724) mark the area to be removedwith electrical diagonal pliers or with a utility knife to provide theopening (730) shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 19 shows the removal of the areabetween grooves (722, 724) to provide opening (730) and is illustratedas a cross-sectional top elevation view (706) of the bottom (26) of box(10) and rear elevation view (708) of the back (30) of box (10).

[0102]FIG. 20 is a rear elevation view of FIG. 19 and shows the flexibleconduit installed. The first view (740) is with a ¾ inch flexibleconduit installed. The second view (742) is with a smaller ½ inchflexible conduit installed.

[0103] To install the ¾ inch flexible conduit (750) shown in view (740),the area between grooves (722, 724) shown in FIG. 18 would be removed toprovide opening (730) shown in FIG. 19. Next, the neck of the flexibleconduit (750) would be pushed through the opening (730) to engage theretaining bars (720, 726) and recessed edge (712) allowing the plasticsurrounding the opening (730) to return to its original position andclamp the conduit securely in place. This snap-in and clamp design isallowed by the inherent ability of plastic to move momentarily andreturn to its original position while retaining the flexible conduit inplace with the retaining bars (720, 726) and recessed edge (712).

[0104] As an alternate, the area between grooves (722, 724) would not beremoved. The conduit would simply be pushed through circular aperture(710) from the bottom (26) of the box (10) with rocking motion until theradial grooves of the flexible conduit (750) engage the retaining bars(720, 726) and recessed edge (712). This push-through installationalternate is facilitated by the flexibility and deformationcharacteristics of the plastic used for the box (10) and the flexibleconduit (750). While this alternate design is described for a lowvoltage application, this same alternate could also be used in a highvoltage application because the void produced by the opening (730) wouldbe closed when the flex conduit is installed and, hence, would beacceptable for UL certification.

[0105] To install the ½ inch flexible conduit (752) shown in the secondview (742), the flexible conduit (752) would be placed through opening(730) to engage the retaining bar (720) and recessed edge (712). Next, astandard cable tie (754) would be inserted through the bridge bracket(714) and then around the ½ inch flexible conduit (752) and tightened.As an alternate to the flexible conduit attachment feature (700)discussed above, bridge brackets (102, 108) could also be used to attacha flexible conduit through open apertures (602, 604) respectively, shownin FIG. 15.

[0106] The snap-in design is simple requiring no extra pieces ofhardware and is quick to install. Also, this design allows a flexibleconduit to be installed when attaching a junction box directly to awallboard surface. The flexible conduit is not precluded from usebecause no bushings extend below the box, as in the current art,allowing the junction box to be inserted into the wallboard surfaceopening with no protrusions.

[0107] Low Voltage Features

[0108] In FIG. 15, the low voltage features (800) for securing wire andcable within the universal junction box (10) are shown and include: thecable-tie attachment (810), cable-holding apertures (850), and theexcess-cable aperture (870).

[0109] Cable-Tie Attachment

[0110]FIG. 21 illustrates two separate, identical detailedcross-sectional front perspective views of the cable-tie attachment(810) feature for securing wires and cables within box (10). A singlecable installation is shown in view (812). A multiple cable installationis shown in view (830). Cable-tie attachment (810) feature is shownwithin sidewall (28) of box (10) and consists of a pillar (820) formedby adjacent openings (816, 822, 824, 826), which facilitates an easyinstallation of the cable-tie (828) within box (10). The cable(s) (819,832) enter and exit the box (10) through apertures (814, 818). Thecable(s) (819, 832) are secured within the box (10), during the wallboard installation stage, by installing a cable-tie (828) around pillar(820) and the cable(s) (819, 832). A long service loop is facilitated byuse of the wall cavity to store and protect the extra cable neededduring the wall board installation stage. When it is time to install theterminating devices, the installer would cut away the cable-tie (828)and pull the cable(s) (819, 832) forward through the front (38) of thebox (10). This method of temporarily securing the cable(s) (819, 832)allows them to disengage easily and automatically allows sufficientbending radius needed for fragile cables used in low voltageapplications.

[0111] In this example, the apertures (814, 818) are the same aperturesused in the flex conduit attachment (700). In view (830), as anenhancement, a short piece of flexible conduit (750) is shown addedthrough the use of the flex conduit attachment (700) to provideadditional protection of fragile cables within the wall cavity, duringthe wall board installation stage.

[0112] The previous discussion only presents one example of thecable-tie attachment (810). Another example would be to use the back(30) of box (10) and adjacent opening to form pillar (820) in-lieu-ofopenings on both sides of pillar (820). If apertures (814, 818) andpillar (820) are not available, an alternate embodiment would allowattachment of cables within box (10) by means of cable ties. Thisembodiment would entail the insertion of cable-ties through bridgebraces (102, 108) to secure cables entering and exiting the box (10)through openings (602, 604) shown in FIG. 15.

[0113] Cable-Holding Apertures

[0114]FIG. 22 illustrates two separate, identical detailedcross-sectional front perspective views of the cable-holding apertures(850) feature for securing multiple wires and cables within box (10). Aninstallation of cables (860) through aperture (818) is shown in view(852) with an alternate installation through opening (604) shown in view(854). The cable-holding aperture (850) feature is shown within sidewall(28) of box (10) and consists of a ladder design formed by openings(822, 824, 826). This ladder design is based on the same concept as theslanted cable attachment (620) as shown in FIG. 15, but applied on alarger scale for multiple cables. Cables (860) can enter the box (10)through openings (602, 604, 814, 818) and exit through one of the threeopenings (822, 824, 826) arranged in a columnar configuration, that formthe ladder. The slant of these cables through the opening causes them tograsp and not slip through the aperture when the cables are inserted andreleased.

[0115] This design secures the cables within the box during thewallboard installation stage. The multiple openings (822, 824, 826) thatform the columnar ladder offer different angles of cable insertion, thusproviding varying degrees of cable self-grasping action against therungs of the ladder. The installer selects the most suitable openingbased on the resistance desired for the type and quantity of cablesused.

[0116] A long service loop is facilitated by use of the wall cavity tostore and protect the extra cable needed during the wallboardinstallation stage. When it is time to install the terminating devices,the installer would simply pull the cables (860) forward through thefront (38) of the box (10). This method of securing the cables (860)allows them to disengage easily and automatically allows sufficientbending radius needed for fragile cables used in low voltageapplications.

[0117] Excess-Cable Aperture

[0118]FIG. 23 illustrates a detailed cross-sectional front perspectiveview of the excess-cable aperture (870) feature. Excess-cable aperture(870) feature is shown within sidewall (28) of box (10) and consists ofan opening (816) adjacent to the ladder design formed by openings (822,824, 826). This feature facilitates storage of cable (872) in the wallcavity (874) to the side of the box (10) after a device is terminatedand mounted to the front (38) of box (10). As an additional note, thisfeature also allows a method for: storage of the service loop when therear extension box (300) feature is used, storage of the service loopwhen a mounting device entirely fills interior of the junction box; andstorage of fragile cables used in low voltage applications withsufficient bending radius to prevent the cables from kinking.

[0119] The advantages of the low voltage features presented hereininclude: an easy method to secure the cable(s) during the wallboardinstallation phase of construction; protection of cable(s) within thewall cavity and box from damage during the wallboard installation phase;ability to use extra long service loops facilitating the termination ofvery small terminating devices; and protection of fragile low voltagecables by providing sufficient bending radius needed to prevent thecable(s) from kinking.

[0120] High Voltage Features

[0121] High voltage cables commonly used for 120-volt outlet andlighting circuits range from two #14 conductors with a ground wire tothree #12 conductors with a ground wire. As a result, the cable diameterbetween the two extremes can vary by as much as three times in size.High voltage junction boxes are used to connect the circuits and mountelectrical terminating devices such as outlets, switches and lightingfixtures. To facilitate these circuits, multiple openings for the cablesto enter the box are required and because of limited space within thebox, each opening is sized to accommodate both cable size extremes.

[0122] Methods for securing these cables within the junction box aredetermined by the National Electric Code (NEC). The NEC requires highvoltage cables to be anchored no greater than four inches from junctionboxes without cable-securing device and 8 inches when a cable-securingdevice is provided. In applying these codes, multiple gang and wallboardmounted junction boxes would normally require a cable-securing devicebecause a place to anchor the cable will be more than 4 inches away,whereas a single junction box mounted to a framing structure is withinfour inches. UL certification testing for the securing device is alsorequired. The UL test for the securing device requires the cableentering the bottom of the box to be subjected to a direct vertical pullof 25 pounds for 5 minutes in a conditioned environment of minus 20degrees centigrade without damage to the cable sheath or conductors anda displacement of the cable of more than ⅛ inch.

[0123] High voltage cables tend to be robust because of the cablesheaths and wire insulation used but can be subjected to damage whenentering the junction box if not carefully installed. The current artavailable either provides no anchoring devices with openings sized forthe largest cables or clamping designs that provide insufficientclamping of smaller cables or too much clamping for the larger cables.Too much clamping commonly can damage the cable if not properlyinstalled and makes pulling any size cable into the box difficult. As aresult of the above, there is a need for a high voltage junction boxwith a high voltage cable-securing device which eases installation andprovides sufficient anchoring of all sizes of cables while not causingdamage to them.

[0124]FIG. 24 is illustrated in a cross sectional front perspective viewand shows the universal junction box (10) high voltage features (900)for access into box (10) and includes the removable side extensionaccess panel (910), removable rear extension access panel (920), andcable-securing feature (930).

[0125] In FIG. 24, the removable side extension access panel (910) islocated within sidewall (28) of box (10). The side extension accesspanel (910) allows access to box (10) from a side extension box (420),as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when used. This side extension access panel(910) would only be used when the side extension houses another highvoltage circuit. In the case of a low voltage side extension, the sideextension panel would not be used because UL prohibits sharing low andhigh voltage circuits and requires a solid partition between the two.This configuration is only shown as an example and would be configuredto match an equivalent removable access panel in the side extension box(420).

[0126] In FIG. 24, the removable rear extension access panel (920) islocated within the back portion (31) of box (10). The rear extensionaccess panel (920) allows access to box (10) from a rear extension box(300), as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, when used. In FIG. 24,cable-securing feature (930) is located within the bottom (26) of box(10) and includes one or more oblique channels (934). While not shown inthis view, the oblique cavity (934) would also be located in the top(22) of box (10).

[0127]FIG. 25 is a detailed cross sectional view of the cable-securingfeature (930). The two views (932, 938) show the lower section of box(10) mounted to a structural member (43). Top view (932) shows cable(936) inserted into oblique cavity (934). Because the oblique cavity(934) is slanted toward the front (38) of the box (10), insertion ofcable (936) into box (10) and pulling excess cable for a service loopthrough the front (38) is easy to accomplish. Bottom view (938)represents the final installation position of the cable (936) in box(10). A portion (942) of cable (936) is pushed to the back of the box(10) for service loop storage and attachment of the cable (946) to thecenter of the structural member (43) with an electrical staple (946), asrequired by National Electric Code. The oblique cavity (934) results ina smaller opening through the vertical plane. This self-retention methodof securing the cable allows a cable to be grasped and held in place bythe pointed fingers (940, 944) formed by the top and bottom of theoblique cavity (934) when the cable is in the vertical position.

[0128]FIG. 26 is a detailed cross sectional view of the cable-securingfeature (930) with the addition of a retaining finger (956). In planview, the width of the retaining finger is the same as the width of theoblique cavity, except for slight tolerances to allow necessaryclearance for movement of the retaining finger. The addition of theretaining finger (956) to cable-securing feature (930) results in a morerobust securing feature. The retaining finger (956) provides positivevertical placement and retention of cable (936) inside the box (10),instead of depending on the portion (942) of cable (936) being pushedthe back of the box (10) for service loop storage.

[0129] The three views (952, 960, 962) show the lower back section ofbox (10). Top view (952) shows the oblique cavity (934) with theaddition of the retaining finger (956). This retaining finger (956)includes a frangible break away tip (954) sized slightly smaller thanthe smallest diameter cable to be used thereby allowing a retainingfinger (956) that can facilitate larger cables more easily. Bottomleft-hand view (960) shows cable (936) inserted into oblique cavity(934) at the point where frangible breakaway tip (954) is deflected tothe breakaway position. Bottom right-hand view (962) represents thefinal installation position of the cable (936) in box (10) withretaining finger (956) fully engaged.

[0130]FIG. 27 is a detailed cross sectional view of the cable-securingfeature (930) with the addition of a spring retaining finger (972). Inplan view, the width of the retaining finger is the same as the width ofthe oblique cavity, except for slight tolerances to allow necessaryclearance for movement of the spring retaining finger. The addition ofthe spring retaining finger (972) to cable-securing feature (930)results in a more robust securing feature, which easily facilitates theuse of different sizes of cable. The spring retaining finger (972)provides positive vertical placement and retention of cable (936) insidethe box (10), instead of depending on the portion (942) of cable (936)being pushed the back of the box (10) for service loop storage.

[0131]FIG. 28 is a detailed cross sectional view of the cable-securingfeature (930) with the addition of a spring retaining finger (972). Thetwo views (980, 982) show the lower section of box (10) mounted to astructural member (43). Top view (980) shows cable (936) inserted intooblique cavity (934) and engaging the spring retaining finger (972).Bottom right-hand view (962) represents the final installation positionof the cable (936) in box (10) with spring retaining finger (972) in theengaged position to retain the cable in the vertical position.

[0132]FIG. 29 is a detailed cross sectional view of the cable-securingfeature (930) with the addition of a spring retaining finger (972). Thesix views (984, 986, 988, 990, 992, 994) show the lower back section ofbox (10). The left-hand views (984, 988, 992) show a cable (936)inserted into oblique cavity (934) and engaging the spring retainingfinger (972). The right-hand views (986, 990, 994) represent the finalinstallation position of the cable (936) in box (10) with springretaining finger (972) in the engaged position to retain the cable inthe vertical position. The top views (984, 986) show the use of thesmallest size cable (936). Middle views (988, 990) show the use of acable (936) twice the size of the smallest cable. Bottom views (992,994) show use of a cable three times the size of the smallest cable. Thedesign represented herein recognizes that the resilience of plastic toreturn to and retain its previous position may be compromised whenoverextended, thereby limiting the amount of retention.

[0133] This plastic spring design allows the smaller cable shown inviews (984, 986) to be retained by the reflex action provided by thespring plastic finger (972). When a cable two times the size is used, asshown in views (988, 990), the spring cable finger (972) tip (976)engages the top surface (978) of the bottom of the box adjacent to theoblique cavity (934), which allows the finger extension (974) to providethe plastic reflex action needed for retention of the cable (936)towards the vertical position. When a cable three times the size isused, as shown in views (992, 994), the spring cable finger (972) tip(976) engages the top surface (978) of the bottom of the box adjacent tothe oblique cavity (934), and then bends under pressure within theoblique cavity (934) taking up the remaining gap and providing theretention needed to engage the pointed finger (940) with the cable(936).

[0134] The advantages of the slanted cable attachment feature include:an easy method to secure cables within the junction box and the abilityto secure several commonly used sizes of cable equally well.

[0135] The junction box integrated design embodies several individualattributes, which when combined, build upon each other allowing theuniversal junction box to function in several different types ofapplications. The invention has been described in detail with particularreference to certain preferred embodiments thereof. It will beunderstood that variations in modifications can be affected within thespirit and scope of the present invention.

In the claims:
 1. A universal junction box comprising: (a) a continuousperipheral wall with an internal side and an external side, and definingat least one planar facet; (b) one mounting tab extending from theexternal side of the peripheral wall adjacent the facet; and (c) analignment tab connected to the peripheral wall.
 2. The universaljunction box of claim 1, wherein the alignment tab is setback from anedge of the peripheral wall.
 3. The universal junction box of claim 2,wherein the setback is approximately a ½″ from the edge of theperipheral wall and the tab has a width of approximately ¼″.
 4. Theuniversal junction box of claim 1, further comprising a planar sidefacet defining three collinear openings.
 5. A universal junction boxcomprising: (a) a continuous peripheral wall with an internal side andan external side, and defining at least one planar facet; and (b) amounting tab extending from the external side of the peripheral walladjacent the planar facet, and a frangible seam interconnecting themounting tab and the peripheral wall.
 6. The universal junction box ofclaim 5, wherein the mounting tab further comprises an alignment tab,and the mounting tab is coplanar with the planar facet.
 7. The universaljunction box of claim 5, further comprising a second wall facet defininga side opening non-adjacent to the mounting tab.
 8. A universal junctionbox comprising: (a) a continuous peripheral wall with an internal sideand an external side, and defining at least one planar facet; and (b) anintegral fastening lug on the internal side, the fastening lug defininga fastener-engaging cavity, and the internal fastening lug defining atleast two attachment openings.
 9. The universal junction box of claim 8,wherein the attachment openings are non-collinear.
 10. The universaljunction box of claim 8, wherein the fastening lug includes an anchorslot adjacent to the internal side of the peripheral wall, the anchorslot further comprising a string engager.
 11. The universal junction boxof claim 8, further comprising an integral fastening lug forming afitting for attaching a front faceplate.
 12. The universal junction boxof claim 8, wherein the peripheral wall defines a planar side facetdefining a side opening.
 13. The universal junction box of claim 8,further comprising a mounting tab extending from the external side ofthe peripheral wall adjacent the planar facet, and a frangible seambetween the mounting tab and the peripheral wall.
 14. The universaljunction box of claim 8, wherein the peripheral wall further defines atleast one slanted oblique engaging cavity within the internal side ofthe peripheral wall.
 15. The universal junction box of claim 8, furthercomprising a conduit attachment comprising: (a) an opening in theperipheral wall, the opening surrounded by an edge; and (b) a recessadjacent the edge.
 16. A universal junction box comprising: (a) acontinuous peripheral wall with an internal side and an external side,and defining at least one planar facet; and (b) the peripheral walldefining one or more slanted oblique engaging cavities.
 17. Theuniversal junction box of claim 16, wherein the peripheral wall includesa retaining finger.
 18. The universal junction box of claim 17, whereinthe retaining finger includes a frangible tip.
 19. The universaljunction box of claim 17, wherein the retaining finger includes a springbias.
 20. A universal junction box comprising: (a) a continuousperipheral wall with an internal side and an external side, and definingat least one planar facet; and (b) a first conduit attachmentcomprising: (i) the peripheral wall defining an opening and an edgesurrounding the opening; and (ii) a recess adjacent the edge.
 21. Theuniversal junction box of claim 20, wherein the edge partiallycircumscribes the opening.
 22. The universal junction box of claim 20,further comprising a retaining bar extending from the peripheral wall.23. The universal junction box of claim 20, further comprising a secondconduit attachment parallel to the first conduit attachment.
 24. Theuniversal junction box of claim 20, further comprising a bridge betweenthe opening and a planar side facet.
 25. A universal junction boxcomprising: (a) a continuous peripheral wall with an internal side andan external side, and at least one planar facet in the peripheral wall;and (b) a mounting aperture in the peripheral wall, the mountingaperture including at least one parallel channel in the facet, thechannel terminating at an ending aperture.
 26. The universal junctionbox of claim 25, wherein the ending aperture includes a bulbous portion.27. The universal junction box of claim 25, wherein the ending aperturedefines a flared opening, and a bridge brace extends across a portion ofthe ending aperture.
 28. The universal junction box of claim 25, furthercomprising a security component defining at least one attachment cavityin the peripheral wall.
 29. The universal junction box of claim 28,whereas the attachment cavity is inclined with respect to an adjacentportion of the peripheral wall.
 30. The universal junction box of claim25, further comprising a locking channel extending perpendicular to theparallel channel.
 31. The universal junction box of claim 25, furthercomprising a ramp indenture parallel to the channel.
 32. The universaljunction box of claim 25, the peripheral wall defining at least oneslanted oblique engaging cavities.
 33. The universal junction box ofclaim 25, further comprising a conduit attachment comprising: (a) theperipheral wall further defining an opening having an edge surroundingat least a portion of the opening; and (b) a recessed portion adjacentthe edge.
 34. The universal junction box of claim 25, further comprisinga side planar facet defining a side opening.
 35. A universal junctionbox comprising: (a) a continuous peripheral wall with an internal sideand an external side, and defining at least one planar facet; and (b)wallboard attachment means comprising at least one slot in the externalside and a channel.
 36. The universal junction box of claim 35, thewallboard attachment means further comprises a frontal surface indent.37. The universal junction box of claim 35, the wallboard attachmentmeans further comprises at least one pair of parallel slots.
 38. Theuniversal junction box of claim 35, the wallboard attachment meansfurther comprises an internal side indent.
 39. The universal junctionbox of claim 35, the wallboard attachment means further comprises aninternal snap-over tab.
 40. The universal junction box of claim 35,further comprising a clip with at least one finger sized to be at leastpartially disposed within the slot.
 41. The universal junction box ofclaim 40, wherein the clip includes a locking notch.
 42. The universaljunction box of claim 40, wherein the clip includes a locking tab. 43.The universal junction box of claim 35, wherein the peripheral walldefines at least one slanted oblique engaging cavity.
 44. The universaljunction box of claim 35, further comprising conduit attachment meansincluding: (a) an opening in the peripheral wall, the opening having anedge surrounding the opening; and (b) a recess adjacent the edge. 45.The universal junction box of claim 35, further comprising a side planarfacet defining a side opening.
 46. A universal junction box comprising:(a) a continuous peripheral wall with an internal side and an externalside, and defining at least one planar facet; and (b) an integralfastening lug connected to the peripheral wall, the fastening lugincluding a first fitting for attaching a rear extension, the extensioncomprising: (i) a second continuous peripheral wall with an internalside and an external side and defining at least one planar facet; and(ii) a second integral fastening lug connected to the second continuousperipheral wall.
 47. The universal junction box of claim 46, wherein thesecond integral fastening lug include a second fitting for engaging arear faceplate.
 48. The universal junction box of claim 46, wherein thefirst fitting includes a tab.
 49. The universal junction box of claim46, wherein the second integral fastening lug includes a securing notch.50. The universal junction box of claim 48, wherein the tab is asecuring tab.
 51. The universal junction box of claim 46, wherein thesecond peripheral wall defines at least one slanted oblique engagingcavity.
 52. A universal junction box comprising: (a) a continuousperipheral wall with an internal side and an external side, and definingat least one planar facet; (b) a locking tab extending from theperipheral wall; and (c) an integral fastener for attaching a sideextension, the side extension comprising: i) a second continuousperipheral wall with an internal side and an external side, and definingat lest one planar facet; and ii) a second integral fastening lugextending from the second peripheral wall.
 53. The universal junctionbox of claim 52, wherein the second peripheral wall defines at least oneslanted oblique engaging cavity.
 54. The universal junction box of claim52, further comprising a side planar facet defining a side opening. 55.The universal junction box of claim 52, further comprising: (a)wallboard attachment means including at least one slot in the externalside and a channel.
 56. The universal junction box of claim 52, furthercomprising: (a) an integral fastening lug extending from the peripheralwall, the lug comprising a first fitting for attaching a rear extension,the rear extension comprising: i) a rear continuous peripheral wall withan internal side and an external side, and defining at least one planarfacet; and ii) a second integral fastening lug extending from the rearperipheral wall.
 57. The universal junction box of claim 52, furthercomprising: (a) mounting aperture means including at least one parallelchannel in the facet, the channel terminating at an ending aperture. 58.The universal junction box of claim 52, further comprising conduitattachment means including: (a) an opening in the peripheral wall, theopening having an edge surrounding at least a portion of the opening;and (b) a recess adjacent the edge.
 59. A universal junction boxcomprising: (a) a continuous peripheral wall with an internal side andan external side, and at least one planar facet; (b) a mounting tabextending from the external side of the peripheral wall adjacent thefacet; (c) a frangible seam between the mounting tab and the peripheralwall; (d) an integral fastening lug, the fastening lug defining acylindrical fastener-engaging cavity extending from the peripheral wallwithin the peripheral wall, and including an anchor slot and a pair ofattachment openings, and a fitting sized to attach a rear extension; (e)the peripheral wall further defining a side opening; (f) mountingaperture means comprising at least one parallel channel in the facet,the channel terminating at an ending aperture; and (g) wallboardattachment means comprising at least one slot in the external side and achannel.
 60. The universal junction box of claim 59, further comprising:(a) a continuous second peripheral wall with an internal side and anexternal side, the peripheral wall defining one or more slanted obliqueengaging cavities.
 61. The universal junction box of claim 59, furtherincluding cable securing means comprising: (a) a slanted oblique cavityin the internal side; (b) a spring extending from the peripheral wall;and (c) conduit attachment means defining an opening in the peripheralwall having an edge at least partially surrounding the opening and arecess adjacent the edge.
 62. The universal junction box of claim 59,further comprising: (a) at least one slanted oblique engaging cavity inthe peripheral wall; (b) at least three collinear openings in theperipheral wall; and (c) conduit attachment means defining an opening inthe peripheral wall having an edge surrounding the opening and a recessadjacent the edge.